town, Seine-et-Marne département, Île-de-France région, northern France. It lies 28 miles (45 km) south-southeast of Paris. Like Paris, it is situated on both banks of the Seine, and its ancient church of Notre-Dame stands on an island between two branches of the river. Built in the 11th century, the church underwent several alterations before being completely restored in the 19th century. The fine 17th-century château of Vaux-le-Vicomte stands 4 miles (6 km) northeast of the town. Melun, which was called Melodunum by the Romans, became the favourite residence of the kings of France in medieval times. It was seriously damaged by bombing in World War II.

Located on the northern edge of the Fontainebleau Forest, the town is a commercial centre for the agricultural district of southern Brie and is also the département's principal administrative centre. Economic activity includes mechanical, aeronautical, and chemical manufacture, food-processing, and service industries. Pop. (1999) 35,695; (2005 est.) 38,000.